New Zealand Native Orchids

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Pterostylis banksii

Tutukiwi

Tipatipa Road, Otangaroa State Forest 15 October 2021. Photo: Bill Campbell
Photo: Bill Campbell
Recorded distribution
Recorded distribution

Plant

To at least 30cm tall. Leaves long and narrow, pointed, 5-25 cm x 1-1.5 cm V-shaped, extending above the flower. Young (first year) plants may have broad bluish leaves.

Flowers

3-5 cm tall, Dorsal sepal longer than petals and often with very long acuminate and sometimes upturned tip to over 20 mm. Lateral sepals sweep upward sometimes backward to 50 mm or more. Labellum top red and its tip may be curled upward. Stigma long.

Flowering

October - November.

Habitat

Lowland to montane, damp scrub or well lit forest.

Conservation

Often forming large colonies, common.

Notes

Typifies the large-flowered group of Pterostylis. Dorsal sepal shorter in many South Island plants.

Key features

Very large, common, narrow, pointed leaves and long tips to dorsal and lateral sepals.

Photos

Tipatipa Road, Otangaroa State Forest 15 October 2021. Photo: Bill Campbell
Mill Bay Road, Mangonui 4 December 2016. Photo: Bill Campbell
Ridge Track, Wainuiomata 29 October 2013. Photo: Bill Campbell
Dangen Road, Peria 1 November 2007. Photo: Bill Campbell
Puffer Track, Kaitoke 30 November 2011. Photo: Bill Campbell
Tipatipa Road, Otangaroa State Forest 15 October 2021. Photo: Bill Campbell
Pohuehue Viaduct, Warkworth 3 October 2022. Photo: Bill Campbell
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